Certificate Of Lawful Development

A Certificate of Lawful Use or Development, if approved, certifies that a use or development is immune from enforcement action because it is lawful. Do you have immunity from enforcement?

Reasons For Obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate

A Certificate of Lawful Development can be applied for in respect of an existing or proposed use, operation or activity. It can be applied for, for example, to claim that the following uses are lawful:

  • existing or proposed use of buildings/land
  • operations (building works) that have been carried out (or are proposed to be carried out)

Find out how we can help you with a certificate of lawful development. Contact us today on 01634 811118, make an online enquiry or drop us an email at mail@kslaw.co.uk.

Why Apply For A Certificate of Lawful Development?

It is vital for landowners to explore the powerful rules of immunity to enforcement action. They are of particular value in respect of non-agricultural uses by farmers and industrial or non-conforming uses. It may be that you have been carrying on a use without planning permission for a long enough time to make it immune from enforcement action. . We will review your circumstances and advise you whether a Lawful Development Certificate would be suitable in your case. Find out more about change of use applications.

All too often Councils claim they know the legal position on immunity but regularly this proves untrue. The only way to be certain is to obtain expert legal advice. 

Planning Unit

The term “planning unit” is often misunderstood and is regularly the subject of inspector and judicial rulings that cause serious upset. Failure to understand your planning unit might ruin the basis for any particular development you seek. It can also lead to high and abortive costs and wasted time. We aim to prevent this or if it has arisen, to help you resolve the issue as swiftly as possible.

Application For Lawful Development Certificate – How Do I Apply?

To get a Lawful Development Certificate, an application must be made to the local council. You can do this through the planning portal website.

The process can be complex and involves submitting the correct type of form, supporting evidence and fee. Often the legal intricacies are so wide-ranging they cannot be comprehended by local councils, causing an application to be partly of wholly refused.

To avoid this, it is best to seek expert legal advice from one of our solicitors. We specialise in the application for Lawful Development Certificates will support you throughout the process, using our expert knowledge to obtain certification and immunity on your behalf.

Lawful Development Certificate Fee

If you wish to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), you must submit the correct application form, supporting documentation and relevant fee to your local authority.

How much is the Lawful Development Certificate fee?

The Lawful Development Certificate fee depends upon the type of application being made. Different application forms are needed for each type of certificate and the cost will vary accordingly.

Our Experience In Certificates Of Lawfulness And The Certificate Of Lawful Use

We are experienced in a wide variety of immunity and certification cases and can advise on many aspects of the certificate of lawfulness. We realise that every case is unique, and we always aim to find the most beneficial route for a client. In some instances we even create development opportunities that did not previously exist – we welcome the chance to help you and work on a resolution through a lawful development certificate.

Can We Help You?

Please call our friendly team on 01634 811 118, complete our online enquiry form, or email our planning law expert Nicholas Kingsley-Smith. Find out more about our other planning services. No matter what, we've got your back. 

The materials appearing on this website do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only. No warranty, whether express or implied is given in relation to such materials. We shall not be liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions within the information provided on this website, nor shall we be responsible for the content of any web images or information linked to this website. Viewing this website, or contacting us does not constitute a solicitor client relationship between you and this firm.